Bridge, 32, spent last season on loan at Brighton from Manchester City and played a key role in helping the club reach the Championship play-offs.

QPR manager Redknapp wanted the full-back to help shore up his defence as they bid to make a quick return to the Premier League but Bridge has decided to join another of the relegated clubs.

The full-back said: “Everything I talked to the manager, Nigel Adkins, about was positive. Reading look like a team who are capable of getting back into the Premier League; they work hard for each other. That is something I want to be a part of.”